Open Gym

Hi Girls and welcome to the 2009-2010 school year -

We are pleased to announce that we are hosting badminton "Open Gym" before school on Thursdays. We will begin on October 8th and go until Winter break.

Come and join us! (I am looking forward to spring already)

-Coach Reinhardt

End of Season Party

Reminder that our end of the party is Friday, May 22nd. We will have it outside at Dunning with the school lunchroom as a backup if the weather does not cooperate. It is a potluck so:

• Seniors, Juniors and Coaches are bringing main dishes
• Sophomores bring side dishes
• Freshman bring drinks and desserts

We will also elect next years captains and give out awards.

Here are some pictures from the year...

Two points

What a way to end the season. Doua and Da were two points away from Central's first Doubles State Championship. Congratulations! - We have never had a doubles team in the final game.

If you did not see the tourney, Doua and Da put on a doubles clinic. I am not sure how many of their drops hit the floor, but there were plenty. They played smart, moved well and played like champions. One more shot at it girls..

Badminton picnic and awards on Friday after school at Dunning:

Juniors & Seniors (and coaches) bring main dishes,

Sophomores bring side dishes, and

Freshman bring drinks & deserts

See Reinhardt or Brigger with any questions.

Final Four

Central 4, Highland Park 3.

With a win yesterday, Central's badminton team is heading to Burnsville today (Wednesday) to compete in the "Final Four" of Minnesota Badminton. Winning in 2 games yesterday were Doua Thao/Da Chang, Melissa Vang/Nitsan Chang, Kelly Thao/Mai Tong Yang and Senior Captain Dawn Vang. They face the Johnson Governors.

State Tournament

Congratulations Central, you have earned the #3 seed in the Minnesota State Badminton Team Tournament. This means we host the first round of the tournament. Nice!

We will be playing Southwest on Tuesday at about 4pm. If we win that match, we play the winner of the Highland Park/Patrick Henry match-up. All four teams will be at Central.

If we win both matches on Tuesday, we travel to Burnsville for the Final Four of Minnesota badminton.

Tuesday, we are going to need some help. There is testing in the gym all week. We need to get all the tables and chairs out so we can host our matches. Anyone is welcome: players, friends, family, alumni, teachers, coaches, mangers.... It should not take long if you show up. We can start the tear down at 2:30ish. Thanks in advance.

City Tourney

The City Tournaments start on Wednesday. Considering the records some of our individuals had over the course of the regular season, we should do very well. Here are the rosters:

Varsity:

SINGLES

Dawn Vang

Mai Kou Lor

Kia Vang

KaLia Xiong

DOUBLES

Doua Thao / Da Chang

Melissa Vang / Nitsan Chang

Kelly Thao / Mai Tong Yang

Junior Varsity:

SINGLES

Sue Lee

Nancy Xiong

Mai Kou Thao

Hannah Johnson

DOUBLES

Maria DeLaundreau / Kris Neff

Mai Xiong / Panny Xiong

Mee Xiong / Chai Yang

I had a lengthy coaches meeting today to talk about the tourney. There are a few things that will be of interest to you:

Varsity:

• Both singles and doubles will have the same format. (No "pool play" like last year for doubles)

• Doua & Da earned the number 2 seed in doubles - congrats!!!

• A "bye" counts as a game - so if you loose after a bye game, you are done. Because of the numbers, there are 11 byes for doubles.

JV:

• They are trying a new format for JV this year. It involves several pools followed by elimination rounds. You will get it when you get there.

No matter what happens, forget about things you can not control. You can't change format, court, opponent, ranking, etc. If you continue to score more points than the other team you will advance no matter your/their rank or the format of the tournament. Have fun - you have earned a position in the 2009 St. Paul City Badminton Tournament.

Unless there were troubles we did not see, I only know the first match-ups for the Varsity:

Kia vs. Alana (Harding)

KaLia vs. May (Como)

Dawn vs. Kathryn (Hum)

Mai Kou vs. Yer (Hum)

Mel/Nit vs. Sha/Nai (Hum)

Doua/Da vs. Lauren.Kristina (HP) - in 2nd round, due to #2 rank bye

Kelly/Mai Tong vs. Mai Khou/Marina (Hard) - in 2nd round, due to luck of draw bye

The busses will leave around 2:30 for Harding (Var) and Johnson (JV). Bring some (healthy) snacks - it might take a little longer than a regular match.

Loss at Harding

Varsity: Central 2, Harding 5

JV: Central 3, Harding 4

Highlight:

Kalia Xiong - first Varsity match and Win - In 2 games

Progress

Varsity: Central 4, Como Park 3

JV: Central 7, Como Park 0

This was a great testament to the progress we have made since the last time we (cough, cough) played them. Doubles: Melissa and Nitsan took the "no drama" route and posted an quick 2 game victory. Doua and Da were as serious looking as I have think I have seen them while facing the other top doubles team in the state. They won the last 2 games in what was a wonderful chess-like badminton match. Kelly and Mai Tong first game was as good as it gets and it looks like they are beginning to embrace the closer role winning the match for us in game three. Of course all the doubles wins in the world won't win you a match... Singles: Kudos to Mai Kou who stepped it up big-time with a great singles victory. Kia had a tough 3 game match as well.

We also need to recognize Mee, Chai, Hannah and Amie as they all earned their first victory on JV. Well done! Hannah, whose game was over so fast her Dad caught only 1 point, is undefeated this season.

Now, let's look to Friday.

Springtime brings a lot of activities and fun. However, I need you ready on Friday afternoon. We lost to Harding 4-3 last time. We can do this.

EVERYONE IS GOING! They have lots of courts and they are organized. This is the last game for many C-Sqauders.

Finally - the way-cool Central Badminton water bottles are in: only $5 - Buy one for yourself and your favorite teacher. Progress marks are due next Tuesday?

Today and the next week

Varsity: Central 5, Arlington 2

JV: Central 6, Arlington 1

Good win. We showed some more energy in the second half of the meet. Doubles looked in control and able to adapt to the game. Singles looked good but we need to play more aggressively. All 4 of you had flashes of confident rallies - we just need to make sure it is more often than not.

We have a busy end of the season:

• Tuesday - Practice for JV/Varsity - Begin C-Squad Tournament on west side of Central's gym.
• Wednesday - Como comes over to Central. Forget last time, but remember that we can beat this team. It is also an early release day. Let's plan on a movie somewhere in the building. Remember the Titans?
• Thursday - Final large group practice - completion of the C-Squad Tournament.
• Friday - To Harding. Everyone is going. It is after the Multi-cultural fair. Light on the greasy food please!
• Monday - Final regular season game at Humboldt. Attending are: Varsity, Junior Varsity and the members of the All-C-Squad Team. (Determined at the tournament)
• Tuesday - Practice for JV/Varsity (some JV challenges today)
• Wed-Thur: City Tournaments - Varsity @ Harding, JV @ Johnson

500

Varsity: Central 4, HIghland Park 3

JV: Central 4, Highland Park 3

All three doubles won today and Captain extraordinaire Dawn sealed the deal with a convincing 3 game win (She won the last 2 games 21-9, 21-9). We now have a record of 4 wins and 4 losses in the conference. We still are relying heavily on our doubles to produce many of the wins, but our singles players are making impressive progress. Dawn has won 2 of her last 3 matches, Kia posted a great win against a tough Johnson team, when Mai Kou hits as well (and hard) as anyone in the conference and Aranya can have pinpoint control. Anyone can win on any given day. Truly believing that is half the battle.

As the school year winds down, I know that many of you are very busy. Do your best to stay focused on the tasks at hand at practices and games.

Thursday is another challenge day. It is the last practice dedicated to primarily challenges.

Due to lack of communication from the coach, I cancelled the game against the Hmong Academy on Friday.

Who we play for

Varsity: Johnson 4, Central 3

JV: Central 4, Johnson 3

So many things to mention:

• a convincing win by Kia at 4 singles
• Doua and Da-manation in full force
• Melissa and Nitsan played a second game that was one of their best
• and of course Kelly & Mai Tong were showing us all how to stay cool under pressure

Needless to say that this was a considerable improvement over the first Johnson game (1-6). Being at home certainly helps, but it was something else that seemed more important as I looked over our Varsity today during line-ups. I am seeing group of girls developing into a confident and a united group. Girls ready to pick each other up, but also a group willing to push one another to work their hardest. This is how a team wins.

I know we lost the game today. But when I see people wanting to do their best not because of what they desire individually, but what they want for their team, it is very exciting.

Next game: Highland Park - Wednesday at home.

Good win

Varsity: Central 7, Humboldt 0

JV: Central 7, Humboldt 0

Everyone won in 2 games and only 2 of the 14 games were close. Dawn's first game was a nail biter but she made some adjustments and won the second game easily. Kelly and Mai Tong also had a close first game, settled down and took the second game easily.

We are starting to show some real progress. I am seeing some genuine intensity from the top down. Play with intensity but don't forget that your are "playing" - have fun.

We have 2 home games this week. Tomorrow we play Johnson. It is a Monday, so start focusing as early as you can . Wednesday we play Highland Park and Friday I scheduled a game with the Hmong Academy - more details on this later.

See you Monday.

So close...

Varsity: Harding 4, Central 3

JV: Harding 4, Central 3

It was right there. Our heads were in each match, each game and most points. The difference between the Harding match and the Como match was night and day. Hopefully you realize a bit better what an important asset your mind can be. You simply chose to be more aware, and you were.

Now what? Being close to a win is still a loss. This is not pessimistic, but the reality of what happened. Harding is going to get better. In fact, everybody well be better the next time we play them. It is up to you to work that much harder to make up the difference. Singles, you were anticipating shots better, but your court coverage needs to improve. Doubles teams, you were very mindful of your shot locations, but you still need to move with more purpose when you are not the one hitting the bird. Technique on short shots and quick slams/drives is something you all need to work on. Then, when the game starts, convince yourself that winning is as more about your mental awareness then your skill. None of this is easy. If it were, badminton would not be as rewarding.

Thursday, we have challenges.

Friday, we have Humboldt at home. Reminder, it is also picture day.

One last thing - Melissa, the hair ribbons were great.

Ouch

Varsity: Central 0, Como 7

Don't make excuses. Few people played well on varsity. Own it, learn from it and use it to help motivate you for the next match.

J.V. Central 6, Como 1

JV is a perfect 3-0 in the conference. Keep it up!!

If you are keeping score at home, all 4 Xiong sisters won their JV matches.

Nice win - next week

Varsity: Central 6, Arlington 1

J.V. Central 6, Arlington 1

Nice work everyone. Sorry I had to miss it - I was at home sleeping off a cold. Mr. Brigger said everyone played with purpose and was aggressive. Sue is now undefeated on Varsity, Mai Kou made short work of her opponent in the three-hole, Aranya started her winning streak, and all the doubles won. Every match we won was in 2 games - nice. For JV, I need to mention Ia and Ong Xiong. They played in their first JV match and lost a tough one in 3 games. They have been working hard in practice and they are starting to show some significant gains. We had 4 Xiong sisters playing on JV Thursday. That has to be a record.

We have 3 games next week so get your rest this weekend. We go to Como on Monday, Harding comes to Central on Wednesday and Humboldt on Friday. I am not sure how many people Como has but I know that they have a small gym. We can't take everyone, so check the list sometime on Monday.

Next challenge day is Thursday.

Tough loss

Eden Prairie 4, Central 3

For some reason we seem to hit more traffic on the drive home from Eden Prairie when we lose. It was a shame, because there was a lot to like about the trip out west. Mai Kou Lor played a very smart game to win in three. Melissa and Nitsan kept their cool and won in a very tense match. (not just because the scores were close). Doua and Da did not play their best but made some strategy adjustments to remain undefeated. Junior Varsity won 6 to 1 even though Sue Lee lost her first badminton match EVER. (She is still undefeated in conference).

So what happened?

As a coach you are never sure. Especially when a match is so close. There are many things I can't possibly see with 7 matches going on at once. Here are a couple of items I noticed:

• a good short serve in doubles ALWAYS gives your team an advantage
• playing aggressively will counteract shots not falling
• if you have time to set-up for a shot - do something with it

Finally, you need to use the shots you work on in practice in matches. If you are worried about using a particular shot during a game, it better be your focus at practice every day. Your mind can do wonders for you - at practice convince yourself you are in a close game while you work on the shot that "worries" you. And finally, Eden Prairie scored the point that won the meet on a missed serve. Ouch!

Challenges on Wednesday - Arlington at home on Thursday.

First week in April

Do not let the snow fool you. It is spring and badminton is in full swing. We need a good practice on Monday to get ready for the trip to Eden Prairie on Tuesday. It takes a little while to get out there and (probably) a little longer to get home. Plan on getting back to Central a little later than a usual away match. They have a large gym so it should go quickly once we are there. That said, this is actually one of the most fun away matches. The longer bus ride can be some relaxing downtime or gives you a chance to get to know some teammates a little better. Plus it is interesting to see the difference in our schools. Don't forget, however, that we are going there to win, not just play.

We beat the Eagles 4 to 3 last time so on would have to expect another close match. Of course, your coach would take a 7-0 anytime. Everyone could have won last time.

Wednesday we will do some challenges and Thursday we are at home vs Arlington. See you at practice.

V over HP

Central 5, Highland Park 2. This meet was dominated by the underclassmen. Our 5 wins all came from Juniors (Doua, & Da, Kelly & Mai Tong, and Kia) and Sophomores (Melissa & Nitsan and Mai Kou). Three of our five victories went to 3 games and Kia's game went to 24 points. Dawn lost a close third game 20-22. Even though the score does not look like it, this was a very close meet.

Player of the match: Mai Kou Lor - she shows great poise as a 10th grader at an away meet. She always seems very relaxed but yesterday she played more aggressively.

Good things:

+ returned slams well

+ A net violation was called by us (nice wor Kia)

+ Triangle offense-drops to both sides, deep to the backhand (Dawn especially)

Work on:

-need to attack the sides

-avoid hitting your backhand

-serves were rushed

-use of the front of the court - to many shots at the back

During break, we really want to work on returning hard shots short. Watch your grip - keep it loose.

JV also posted a close 4-3 win yesterday. All four singles players (Ka Lia, Laura, Sue & Natalie) won. All four matches went to 3 games! Those long games test your conditioning.

Spring break practice schedule:

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8-10am.

Reinhardt's 2 boys will be there Tuesday and Thursday. They need to work on their drop shots as wel....

First conference match

Johnson 6, Central 1

Johnson was better prepared than we were. They anticipated shots better and positioned themselves on their court for returns more consistently. Granted, when playing the first way match of the year people tend to play with less confidence and therefore some things that you normally do instinctively may require more conscience thought. But at the same time, you can not expect to be able to play hard on game days unless you push yourself with as much intensity at practice. Vince Lombardi, one of the best coaches of all time, said "the Dictionary is the only place that success comes before work"

Positives:

+ Attacked backhands on clears

+ Set up opponent for winners/slams

+ good team support (praise was specific)

+ anxious to work on the court

Areas of improvement:

-hit then immediately move into position for next shot

-clears and drops to the corners

-singles may need to play boring games - keep them in the back

-doubles serves and attacking of serves

Let the games begin...

Tuesday we travel to Johnson to take on the Governors. We have had some very competitive meets with Johnson last year and this one should be no different. Conference games tend to be more a little more tense as both schools are looking for a conference title. Remember to have fun and play smart. Also, when you get to a new gym, practice calling birds out during warm-ups to get a "feeling" for the layout of the courts.

As a team, you have done a great jog getting yourself ready for what promises to be a challenging, but entertaining conference season. There was an error reporting an early release day on Tuesday. It is a regular school day.

There will not be any ranking-challenges this week....

First Meet

Central 4, Eden Prairie 3. Wins were posted by Kia Vang, Mai Kou Lor, Doua Thao & Da Chang and Melissa Vang & Nitsan Chang. This was the first varsity match for Mai Kou, Melissa & Nitsan and they posted victories. Nice work.

Dawn had a great match. It went 3 games and the third game went down to the wire. Dawn lost a heartbreaker 21-23. The game had long rallies and great shots by both players.

Good things we saw:

+ moved the bird toward the corners on deep shots

+ attacked the backhand

+not hitting birds that were out

Things to work on:

-left to right movement on shorts

-height of your short shots (especially when you were at the net)

-serves

We still have much to work on and many positions to determine.

Next game is Tuesday at Johnson. Students are finished with school at 12 noon on that day so we will have a location for players to hang around until we leave at 2:15.

Initial Rankings

We got our uniforms on Monday so that must mean a match is coming up. Tuesday we play Eden Prairie at 3:15. Reminder, due to a scheduling conflict, we need to be out of the gym by 4:30. So I apologize, but we can't get everyone a match. The current line-up (with who is playing Tuesday) is listed below. This was a very competitive tournament. It is wonderful to see such a passionate team battle for position.

You were ranked based on the following criteria:

• who you beat
• who you lost to
• how close the games were
• number of games you played

Also, keep in mind, these line-ups may change prior to our first conference game next week.

(I did not have a current roster so I could not look up all of your last names....)

RED = be ready to play vs Eden Prairie

SINGLES

1. Dawn Vang
2. Aranya Thao
3. Kia Vang
4. Mai Kou Lor
5. KaLia Xiong
6. Nancy Xiong
7. Natalie Kramer
8. Mai Kou Thao
9. Hannah Johnson
10. Ratih Sutrisno
11. Angelina Vang
12. Amie Thao(?)
13. Natalya Brown
14. Nanda Sutrisno
15. Maxine Thao
16. Karla Neff
17. Natalie (?)
18. Mai Teng (?)
19. Padee Vang
20. Molly Vang
21. Yia Vue
22. Tia Matthews
23. Katherine Tang
24. Monica Ngo

DOUBLES

1. Doua Thao / Da Chang
2. Melissa Vang / Nitsan Chang
3. Kelly Thao / Laura Lor
4. Maria DeLaundreau / Kris Neff
5. Sue Lee / Mai Tong Yang
6. Mai Xiong / Panny Xiong
7. Bao Lee / Elizabeth Yang
8. Samantha Roberts / Tiffany Yang
9. Sherry Khottavongsa/ Molly O’Connor
10. Mai Yer Xiong / Loulia Wang
11. Ia Xiong / Ong Xiong
12. Ayla Vang / Va Thao
13. Mee Xiong / Chai Yang
14. Pajsua Vang / MaiChou Vang
15. Chai-Ja-lab Yang / Blia Xiong
16. Pa Xiong Vang/ Jacy Yang
17. La Yang / Jennifer Yang
18. Mai Tong Lee / Pang Chang
19. Lisa Vang/ Janise Nelson

Please let me know if there are mistakes, or omissions

Also, feel free to make some congratulatory comments by clicking on "comments" below.

Week 3

Game at home, Tuesday vs. Eden Prairie. We will be getting our uniforms prior to the game.

Try and get to bed early and eat a good lunch. Seniors should bring snacks.

Week 2

Sure we are only a week into the season but things are getting busy quickly. This week we need to assign lockers, get uniforms and, most importantly, play for rank. Those of you that have not yet decided if you are going to play singles or doubles need to by Wednesday.

This should be a very interesting position tourney as there are quite a few positions on Varsity and Junior Varsity to be determined. Mr. Brigger and I are very curious to who earns them. If you are nervous about your matches, remember that you should not be disappointed if you try your hardest. Then again, we all like to win...

Also remember that this 'position tourney' just the initial determination of rank and there are many opportunities to challenge up (or fall down) in the rankings as the year goes on.

One more thing - If you take a look at our badminton calendar you might notice that there is an event at Arlington this Saturday. Dean Schoppe is part of the US Olympic Badminton team and is offering his expertise for free to the St. Paul Badminton Teams. It is something you will not want to miss. Come ready to play! It is from 8-11.

First game is next Tuesday at home against the Eden Prairie Eagles.

Intro Week 2

Hey all - a couple of things I need to clarify:

• Practice on Friday is at 6-7am. Do your best to be there. There will be no practice after school.

• All students have Monday off of school. We will have practice at 2-4pm. Be there.

• Next week we will have many things to do: Get uniforms, get lockers and play for position rankings. You need to: (1) Get all forms & money in (2) Get ready to play many games next week

First week of practice

The first week we are working on getting a nice 'touch' on the short shots and good form when hitting the deep shots. Remember, nothing is more important than proper technique.

Remember, Friday we are having practice at 6am. No practice after school.

Season begins

The 2009 Badminton season begins on Monday!

Turn in participation forms and money as soon as possible. An updated physical is required to play.
Come to the gym at 2:15 ready to practice.

Captains Practice & Open Gym

CAPTAINS PRACTICE:

Monday @ 2:15

Wednesday @ 2:15

Friday @ 2:15

OPEN GYM:

Tuesday @ 6 AM

Thursday @ 6 AM

Friday @ 6 AM

Clothing & Racket Orders

Reminder - Clothing and racket order forms are due by Friday. Bring money and order forms down to Mr. Reinhardt in room 101.

For more badminton info, check out our website at:

http://centralbadminton.blogspot.com

Turn in participation forms to Mr. Galloway ASAP!!

Introduction

Central Badminton players and fans!
Keep up to date with Central Badminton via:

http://centralbadminton.blogspot.com